[Sports-Head]

In sports, Matt Kenseth, Brandon Gaughan and other Nextel Cup drivers visited with fans at the Salem civic center for a good cause, Uva running back Wali Lundy says he's better,
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

and coach Frank Beamer keeps working out his Hokies in spring football at Tech
(------------)

[WX-Head]
[ANCHOR=Brent]
[SS=None]
Getting back into to the Spring of things across Southwest Virginia with the return of sunshine and warmer temperatures.
Will the nice weather follow through for your weekend plans. The full forecast is coming up.
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon 4-Shot]

The DMV puts the brakes on mobile units across the Commonwealth.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT@13:51:58:16]
[IN Q=I have to..]
((LORRAINE MUNCIE, CRAIG CO. RESIDENT: I HAVE TO MAKE A TRIP INTO ROANOKE AND WASTE GAS WHICH IS REALLY EXPENSIVE...))

Just two-weeks ago, DMV's mobile unit stopped visiting small towns like New Castle. It was about that time Janice Wolfe started a petition to bring the service back to the area. So far, more than 720-residents signed on- everyone looking for a solution.
[SOT@13:41:33:72]
[INQ=If they...]
((LARRY MOORE, CRAIG CO. ADMINISTRATOR: IF THEY WANT TO TAKE THE SERVICE AWAY, IT'S NOT JUSTIFIED, THEN HELP ME FIND APPROPRIATE FUNDS IN WHICH TO REPLACE IT SO MY RESIDENTS CAN BE SERVED ON A TIMELY BASIS.))
[RUNS:14]
[OUTQ=.. timely basis.]

[SOT@14:02:59:13 or 14:02:28:13 or 14:03:40:18 or 14:04:26:07]
[INQ=DMV Spokeswoman...]
((SUSAN BAHORICH, REPORTING: DMV SPOKESWOMAN, PAM GOHEEN SAYS THE MOBILE UNITS WERE NOT BEING USED AND WERE TOO EXPENSIVE. NOW FOLKS HAVE TO TRAVEL TO THE SERVICE CENTER IN ROANOKE OR OUT TO CHRISTIANSBURG.))
[RUNS:12]
[OUTQ=.. to Christiansburg.]

And, Goheen says there are other customer options.
[SOT@13:32:02:16]
[INQ=Approximately 70-percent..]
((PAM GOHEEN, DMV SPOKESWOMAN: APPROXIMATELY 70-PERCENT OF VIRGINIAN HOLDING DRIVERS LICENSES ARE ELIGIBLE TO RENEW ONLINE, USING TOUCHTONE TELPHONE SERVICE OR USING MAIL.))
[RUNS:09]
[OUTQ=.. USING MAIL.]

So for New Castle and other small towns like it, the travel team looks like its a thing of the past. And, the future means lines and waiting for drivers like Lorraine Muncey.
SB, News 7, Craig County.))

[Roanoke-Murder]

A 17-year-old wanted for murder in Roanoke is in custody in Northern Virginia.
The teenager was picked up around 4-o'clock this afternoon by Arlington County Police.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/Last Friday;]
Police say the teen shot 22-year-old Claude Harper last Friday on Rutherford Avenue. Harper died Sunday evening.
Roanoke City detectives will travel to Arlington tomorrow to transport the juvenile back to Roanoke.
(------------)

[L'burg-Fires]

A fire in a vacant house last night has Lynchburg investigators wondering whether they have a serial arsonist on their hands.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Lynchburg/Last Night]

Most of the home on Wood Street was already in flames when firefighters arrived around 9:30.
The building had been vacant for about six months. The fire started outside a basement window.
Three other houses in the same neighborhood have been torched in the last few weeks.
Authorities are asking residents in the White Rock Hill area to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
(------------)

[WIPE WIPE WIPE]

[Carroll-Fire]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-18 TC01:00]

[ENG#=3]
[WIPE WIPE WIPE WIPE]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Carroll Co./Monday;]
Carroll County investigators say the woman killed in Sunday's fire died of smoke inhalation.
The autopsy report for 25 year old Angel Marie Towe was released today.
Her mobile home in Cana caught fire around 8:30 Sunday morning.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the fire.
(------------)

[Fire-Survey]

A forestry department helicopter is again stationed in the Roanoke Valley during fire season.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.]

When it's not fighting forest fires, it's giving local crews a birds-eye view of the areas they protect.
Today firefighters from Fort Lewis flew over several wooded subdivisions.
Officials say since the homes are so close together, they are at an increased risk during forest fires.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 00:37:37]
[IN Q=What we're]
((DENNIS MCCARTHY/ASSISTANT REGIONAL FORESTER: WHAT WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO PREPARE FOR IS THE FIRES THAT OCCUR ON A HIGH FIRE DANGER DAY, WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. IT'S GOING TO TAKE ON A LARGE AREA AND PROBABLY SEVERAL OR MANY STRUCTURES.))
[SUPER=01-Denins McCarthy/Assistant Regional Forester]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=many structures.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The firefighters say the helicopter helps them get a better look at potential problems they may run into during a fire.
They also urge homeowners to take extra precautions like using fire-resistant materials whenever possible.
(------------)

[Clearbrook]

A volunteer rescue squad in Roanoke County is under new leadership even as it attempts to hang onto its operating license.
(------------)
[VO-NAT :20]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Last Week;]
Officials with the county say members of the Clearbrook squad voted last weekend to "cease" the duties of chief Lee Bibbs and president Don Kelley.
It's unclear who's taken over their responsibilities.
The squad is under investigation after an audit turned up what one official described as possibly "inappropriate" financial action.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Shannon]
[GRAPHIC=None]
The Commonwealth's attorney confirms a search warrant was issued in *Franklin* County.
A motorcycle was seized as part of the investigation.
The squad's Operational Medical Director recently resigned after learning of the case.
Without an OMD, members are not allowed to respond to emergency calls.
Clearbrook has until the end of the month to fill the position or risk losing its license.
[Tease#1]
[ANCHOR=Keith 2-Shot]
[SS=NONE]
[ENG#=V10]

Western Virginia and Western Ukraine may be a world apart, but a new exchange program is bringing them closer together.
Find out how when News 7 returns.
(---------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]

Telling the story of Virginia's birth would be impossible to do without including its original residents.
Eight Indian tribes, including the Monacans in Amherst County, are still active, but to the federal government they don't legally exist.
Legislation that would grant them federal recognition is being held up by lawmakers who fear it will only bring casino gambling to Virginia.
Chief Kenneth Branham says the tribes have no interest in gaming.
[SOT 11:05:06]
((KENNETH BRANHAM/MONACAN INDIAN CHIEF: IF WE WANTED SOMETHING LIKE THAT, DON'T YOU THINK WE'D HAVE BINGO PARLORS UP, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN DO. NONE OF THE TRIBES HAVE MADE ANY EFFORT TO DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT. AND THAT SHOULD STAND FOR ITSELF.))
[RUNS= 17]
[OUT Q=stand for itself.]

So while Virginia plans a party, the Indians are focused on the things recognition would bring, like health care, housing and educational opportunities.
[Standup 11:58:31]
((Branham says Virginia's tribes might be more willing to help plan the Jamestown celebration if they already had federal recognition. Right now they're spending about five thousand dollars a month on legal fees to get that, and that's where all their time and resources are going.))
[RUNS= 14]
[OUT Q=resources are going.]
[SOT 11:08:26]
((BRANHAM: WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO DO THOSE THINGS AND PARTICIPATE IN 2007 LIKE WE'D LIKE TO. IT'S JUST TOO MUCH OF A STRAIN, AND FEDERAL RECOGNITION IS OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL RIGHT NOW, 2007 IS A DISTANT SECOND.))
[RUNS= 16]
[OUT Q=a distant second.]

Steve Smallshaw, News7, Amherst County. ))

[Montvale-Wreck]

Bedford's fire chief was one of two people injured in an accident on Route 460 near Montvale this morning.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Bedford Co.;]
State Police say shortly before 11 o'clock, a 17 year old driving a Chevy Cavalier westbound crossed the median and hit a Crown Victoria head on.
The teenager was flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital by helicopter. Police are not releasing his name or condition, but say he was NOT wearing his seatbelt and was partially ejected from his car. Charges are pending.
The other driver, 37-year-old Todd Stone was also injured in the wreck. Stone is the Chief of the Bedford Fire Department, and is currently listed in good condition at R-M-H.
(------------)

[Drowning-Update]

[ANCHOR=Keith]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=rde]
[TAPE#=04-15 TC18:14]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=3]
Police do NOT suspect foul play in the death of a Carroll County man whose body was found in the New River over the weekend.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Carroll Co./Monday;]
On Saturday three fisherman came across the body of 25 year old James Wray Lawson near the Low Water Bridge in Fries.

The Woodlawn man had been missing for several months.
Investigators have designated the case an accidental drowning.
(------------)

[McCadden]

With city elections less than three weeks away Roanoke mayoral candidates are working to distinguish themselves.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
During a news conference today, Independent Mac McCadden said he's the best candidate to generate a consensus on city council.
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]
One of his major goals is to renovate Victory Stadium.
He's proposing council adopt a renovation plan suggested eight years ago.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 21:14:00]
[IN Q=Take the money]
((MAC MCCADDEN/(I) CANDIDATE FOR ROANOKE MAYOR: TAKE THE MONEY THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROPRIATED FOR THE NEW STADIUM AND PUT IT TOWARD THE VICTORY STADIUM PROJECT. TAKE THAT MONEY AND PUT IT INTO THE RENOVATION OF THE STADIUM ITSELF, AN EIGHT LANE ALL SURFACE TRACK, RAISING THE PLAYING SURFACE - JUST AS IT WAS PROPOSED IN 1996.))
[SUPER=01-Mac McCadden/(I) Candidate for Roanoke Mayor;]
[RUNS=17]
[OUT Q=was proposed in 1996]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
The plan also calls for a band- shell or covered stage for concerts.
McCadden proposes council use the site of the NEW stadium- amphitheater for economic development.
(------------)

Earlier this month, three employees of WDBJ7 travelled to western Ukraine to work with the staff of a young television station there.
[ANCHOR=Shannon 2-Shot]

The exchange will continue to unfold over several months, as our Ukrainian partners travel to Roanoke.
[***UKRAINE MAP IN MONITOR***]
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith-Shannon & JOeD /Newsroom;]

Tonight, Joe Dashiell takes a closer look at the region.
Keith and Shannon, we left Roanoke with little knowledge of western Ukraine.
[LIVE= JoeD /FULLNewsroom]
[SUPER=@joe1;]

We found an area of striking beauty, struggling with a difficult economy...a community clearly on the rise.
[ENG#=1]
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=The soviet legacy]
[SUPER=03-Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine; :06]
[SUPER=@Joe1; :19]
[SUPER=10-Zinoviy Shkutiyak/Ivano-Frankivsk Mayor/Voice of Interpreter; 1:13]
[RUNS=1:34]
[OUT Q=Ukraine is standing at an important crossroads.]

((The soviet legacy is evident in the massive architecture of the capital, Kyiv.
But in other areas there is also an old-world charm that owes more to European roots than Russian ones.
[NAT SOUND OF VIOLINIST]
[STAND-UP BRIDGE]
Ivano-Frankivsk is located in western Ukraine, in an area that was once part of Poland.
Today, it's a bustling city of 250- thousand that reflects the problems and the promise of this country.
The week before Easter, the Red Cross was handing out food to elderly pensioners.
In a country where the average wage is only about one hundred dollars a month, many live in poverty.
Adequate, affordable housing is in short supply.
And the aging soviet-era infrastructure is in obvious need of replacement and repair.
But there are also unmistakable signs that conditions are improving.
New construction, and renovations to the city's historic district are a point of pride for residents...
[NAT SOUND FROM WOMAN ON DOWNTOWN MALL]
And for the mayor, who has made civic improvements a priority of his administation.
[SOT MAYOR]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=]
A dozen years after Independence, Ukrainian Democracy is still evolving.
And with a presidential election scheduled in October, there is a sense that Ukraine is standing at an important crossroads.))
(-------------)
[LIVE= joeD /FULL Newsroom]

Tomorrow, we'll take a closer look at the role of the independent media, Keith and Shannon
[DOUBLE BOXES=Keith-Shannon & JoeD /NEwsroom;]

And we'll visit the television station in western Ukraine that now has a relationship with western Virginia.

[S-Advance]

The "3M" Ganassi Racing team of Marlin, McMurray, and Mears is doing well this year. The three drivers are 14th, 13th and 178 in the points race at this time, a greta improvement form last season when they were 13, 18th and 35ty
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Sterling Marlin/14th in Nextel Cup Points; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jamie McMurray/13th in Nextel Cup Points; :00]
[RUNS=:35]
[OUT Q=......big difference"]
(---------------)

[S-Hokies]

[ANCHOR=Mike]
[NEWSCAST=6pm]
[WRITER=mst]
[TAPE#=SP-168 3954TC]
[GRAPHIC=TECH]
[ENG#=3]
Virginia Tech has just three practice left this spring before the team holds its annual Maroon & White game on Saturday - April 24th.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg; :00]
Head coach Frank Beamer has called this the most critical spring practice period in his 18 seasons at Tech.
The sense of urgency is not just for the players, but also for the coaches.
No changes were made to the staff in the off-season - meaning each and every person needs to prove his worth.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=BITE]
[SUPER=01-Frank Beamer/18th Season at Virginia Tech; :00]
[RUNS=:28]
[OUT Q=...last few years."]
(------------)

[S-Cavs]

The spring football season ends Saturday for the Virginia Cavaliers with he spring festival. Despite the off season scenario, the on field enthusiasm has been high.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Wali Lundy/929 Yards Rushing, 10 TD's Last Season; :00]
[RUNS=:08]
[OUT Q=.....being that good"]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Charlottesville; :00]

Wali Lundy returns as the UVa starter at tailback, a unit stocked with several good backs. Lundy says he's better this spring than he was last season.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:11]
[OUT Q=....run people over this year"]
(------------)

[S-NASCAR]

Qaulifying for Sunday's Advance Auto Parts 500 at Martinville gets underway tomorrow at threre o'clock. But race race fans got a head start over at the Salem Civic center with the second annual Krpger meet the drivers night.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Salem; :00]

Brendan Gaughan and defending points champion Matt kenseth were among the early arrivals. The festiveties, which began at 5 pm and finish up at 7. There are plenty of show cars and simulators and autographs to go around. Al, of the proceeds benifit the Victory Junction Gang Camp which is scheduled to open later this summer in North carolina.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Brendan Gaughan/Kodak Dodge Driver; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jeff Gordon/Defending Martinsville Champion; :]
[RUNS=:]
[OUT Q=.......]
(---------------)